圈养华南虎自然分娩及育幼行为研究

华南虎是极度濒危的国家Ⅰ级保护动物,现有种群都在中国各地动物园的人工圈养之下,幼仔哺育也多采用人工手段介入,本研究对南昌动物园的雌虎"昌昌"自然分娩及育幼等行为进行分析总结,发现在母性较强的情形下应尽可能减少人为干扰,优先考虑以母乳喂养。母虎的产前行为大都是为分娩做准备,如整理产床、舔舐阴部,同时也表现出不安,如来回走动、调整姿态。产后的行为几乎完全是为了便于照顾幼虎,如哺乳、舔衔幼虎等,并且变得平静。虽然产后休息和睡眠行为较产前有增加,由产前53%增至62%,但显然母虎睡眠的深度不如产前,并且即使在母虎休息和睡眠状态下,也有被动的哺乳行为同时存在,这从幼虎吸乳的频率(54%)大大超过母虎主动哺乳的频率(3%)可以看出来。母虎产前由于不安,移动频率多达17%,而产后则降至2%。产前母虎特别注意对产道的清理,舔舐阴道达到了8%,而产后只有1%。分娩前后都有调整姿态的行为,虽频率相当但动机不同,产前是因为不安,而产后明显是出于对幼虎庇护和哺育的需要。母虎带大的幼虎具有较强的野性,表现为对人的恐惧和攻击性,生长速度也较理想。

Behavior of Natural Parturition and Nursing of South China Tiger (Panthera tigris amoyensis)in Captivity

The natural parturition and nursing of a tigress"Changchang"in Nanchang Zoo were observed and analyzed.Before birth of the kit the mother tiger took a series of behavior for preparation of birth:arranging obstetric tables,licking the pudendun,expressing emotion of discomfort,such as walking around,adjusting the attitude.After birth,behaviors were for nursing kits:suckling,licking kits and very calm,sleeping more,but less deep,from 53% before to 62% after birth;the frequency of sucking by kits (54%) was much higher than fed by mother (3%).Moving of mother tiger before birth 17% was reduced to 2% after birth; cleaning of birth canal 8% was decreased to 1% after birth.The attitude adjustment was due to discomfort before birth,but for asylum and nurture of kits after birth.Young tigers fed by mothers showed wildness,fear and aggressive,yet with good growth.